Archive Council News

22.09.04

Help for victims of distraction burglaries

Help is on hand for victims of distraction burglaries after a spate of incidents in Wrexham County Borough recently.

Under Wrexham's Community Safety Partnership vulnerable people or those who have been victims of this type of crime are to receive an information pack entitled "Keep Them Out" to help understand the potential dangers and control who they let into their homes.

The pack contains a list of contact details to keep near the telephone that will help check whether visitors are who they say they are. There are also information leaflets of organisations that have the experience and expertise to offer relevant advice on how to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.

The common scenarios of callers pretending to be from major utilties company or frightening the homeowner into thinking that urgent works are needed on their houses is all too common. The Community Safety Partership wants to ensure that vulnerable groups know how to deal with these situations and cut down on unscrupulous doorstep criminals.

Community Safety Officer, Constable Pete Barrett said:

"The aim is to reassure and educate people against this potential type of crime. We want them to know that there are numbers they can phone to seek help if they find themselves in a vulnerable position, but the key message is simple - Don't be taken by surprise and Don't let them in. If you don't let them - their tricks don't work."

Wrexham Council's Trading Standards Officer Peter Brown said:

"We do get reports of unscrupulous doorstep callers operating in the Wrexham area and there has been quite a spate recently. Unless the householder knows the caller they should not let them in. We would like to know of any incidents that occur like this so we can take action to stamp out this type of activity in the Wrexham area."

The packs will be distributed by various agencies and will also be available at Wrexham Police Station and Wrexham Library.